An Elm Tree

The National Memorial Arboretum has partnered with female a cappella quintet Black Voices to create a unique schools programme that explores the legacy of the HMT Empire Windrush, which arrived on UK shores 75-years ago, and the significant role the 'Windrush Generation' played in rebuilding the country after the Second World War.

‘Songs of Windrush’ is a free eight-week programme that delves into the story of the ‘Windrush Generation’ through music and song, with vocal workshops delivered in schools by Black Voices. Students are rehearsing a new original composition exclusively created for this project by Ken Burton, a celebrated composer, songwriter and choirmaster for the multi-Oscar winning and Grammy winning Marvel film Black Panther. The programme will culminate with a mass performance featuring all the schools at the National Memorial Arboretum on Sunday 6 August. This performance will form part of Carnival Windrush, a free community celebration event to mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush. 

After the Second World War, large parts of Britain were in desperate need of rebuilding, so the UK actively invited migrants from Commonwealth nations to fill essential roles in many different industries, including the railways, construction sector, and the NHS.